Chris Forster

Chris Forster Email and Phone Number

Retail Executive | Expert in Multi-Store Operations, Strategic Growth & Cost Optimization | Proven Leader in Store Development & Expansion @
Chris Forster's Location
Greater Philadelphia, United States
Chris Forster's Contact Details

Chris Forster personal email

About Chris Forster

With over 25 years of experience in retail leadership, I've honed my expertise in managing large-scale, multi-state operations and driving profitability for some of the industry's leading companies. My journey has taken me from overseeing 195 stores across five states as a Regional Vice President, to opening new locations, managing remodels, and optimizing operational efficiency as Vice President of Store Development. Throughout my career, I've been responsible for P&L management, store expansion, operational cost reductions, and talent development, all while maintaining a customer-centric approach that delivers measurable results.Currently, I lead store development efforts for SWFM Retail Group, where I oversee 83 store locations and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive operational efficiency, enhance execution standards, and achieve consistent sales growth. I'm passionate about strategic problem-solving and enjoy managing everything from real estate decisions to procurement strategies that lower costs and improve store performance. My ability to streamline operations and manage complex projects has allowed me to successfully open new stores, remodel existing ones, and implement process improvements that enhance both the bottom line and customer experience.At my core, I'm driven by the challenge of leading large teams and fostering an environment where employees are empowered to grow. I thrive in dynamic environments where strategic thinking and hands-on execution go hand-in-hand. If you're looking for someone with a proven track record in retail operations, store development, and team leadership, let's connect!

Chris Forster's Current Company Details
SWFM Retail Group

Swfm Retail Group

Retail Executive | Expert in Multi-Store Operations, Strategic Growth & Cost Optimization | Proven Leader in Store Development & Expansion
Chris Forster Work Experience Details
  • Swfm Retail Group
    Vice President Of Store Development
    Swfm Retail Group Oct 2020 - Present
    New York City Metropolitan Area
    As the Vice President of Store Development for SWFM Retail Group LLC, I lead operations for over 83 store locations, generating more than $250 million in annual sales. Reporting directly to the President/CEO, I drive strategic initiatives focused on operational efficiency and cost reduction, achieving a 12% decrease in operational expenses and a 6% sales increase company-wide. I’ve opened 12 new stores and remodeled 5, overseeing architectural plans and managing contractor bids, with store investments averaging $1.5 million. My role encompasses broad responsibilities, including supervising 12 indirect reports across operations, procurement,finance, HR, and distribution, ensuring seamless cross-functional collaboration. I’ve successfully reduced costs by $750,000 through effective procurement partnerships and played a key role in IT advancements that improved store productivity and lowered operational costs. I’ve worked closely with real estate brokers and attorneys to secure optimal store locations and evaluate leases, driving growth and expansion. My leadership also extends to cash handling improvements, where I introduced new procedures and Brinks safes to ensure next-day credit for deposits. By partnering with merchants and operations teams, I optimize store layouts and drive initiatives that enhance store-level performance.
  • Family Dollar
    Regional Vice President
    Family Dollar 2017 - 2019
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
    As Regional Vice President at Family Dollar, I led operations for 195 stores across five states, overseeing a portfolio valued at over $500 million. My focus was on driving profitability and growth while managing a team of 10 district managers, regional HR specialists, and loss prevention personnel. I developed and implemented strategies for district support and area operations to ensure sustainable growth and efficiency. Through strategic workforce planning, I optimized staffing levels and projected future needs, while directing new store openings and remodels to meet budget and timeline goals. I also managed P&L responsibilities, introducing cost-saving measures that boosted profitability and enhanced store performance. By collaborating with real estate and construction teams, I secured prime locations for expansion and continuously monitored market trends to stay competitive. A key part of my role was mentoring district managers and fostering leadership growth through succession planning, ensuring that our teams were well-positioned for long-term success.
  • Forman Mills
    Vice President Of Stores
    Forman Mills 2015 - 2017
    Pennsauken, New Jersey
    As Vice President of Stores at Forman Mills, I was responsible for overseeing 35 apparel and home fashion locations spanning multiple states, generating over $250 million annually. With full P&L control, I crafted and executed strategic plans while directly reporting to the CEO, ensuring consistent performance and profitability. My leadership included managing 1,300+ employees and three district managers, focusing on operational accountability and bottom-line results. I was instrumental in opening 12 new stores within 18 months, significantly expanding the company's regional presence. I introduced zero-based payroll models to improve labor cost efficiency and designed innovative merchandising strategies that drove store growth. Additionally, I spearheaded purchasing and facility management efforts while staying ahead of competitive trends to optimize operations. Through these initiatives, I continually enhanced productivity and operational excellence across all locations
  • Family Dollar
    Regional Vice President
    Family Dollar 2012 - 2015
    Successfully oversaw a comprehensive and profitable region consisting of 195 stores spanning five states and valued at over $500 million. I developed and led the team of 10 district managers, a regional HR specialists and the loss prevention team covering my region. Developed and managed the district support team and area operations managers for future growth as well as overseeing evaluating and making performance improvements to profitability and operating costs of my assigned area. My oversight included ensuring proper staffing levels and anticipating projected needs of employment using the established programs for development of direct reports through succession planning and process tools.
  • Forman Mills
    Vice President Of Stores
    Forman Mills 2005 - 2012
    Pennsauken, Nj
    Maintained full P&L control over 35 apparel and home fashion store locations averaging 55,000 square feet. These locations generated over $250 million in annual sales from Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, New York, Northern New Jersey and Washington DC. In addition created long-term strategic plans with implementation and direct accountability to the CEO. Devised innovative action plans to enhance staff accountability (1300+ employees and three district managers) which have positive effect on bottom-line profitability. Coordinated facility management and maintained extensive competitive industry knowledge, track sales trends, oversee purchasing and maintain store efficiency and productivity. I create merchandising strategies and procedures to optimize store growth. Consistently improved store standards by maintaining a hands-on management approach.Achievement’s:• Opened and established 12 new store locations within 18 months.• Established zero-based payroll allocation based on individual store workloads.
  • Walmart
    District Manager
    Walmart 2000 - 2005
    Bentonville, Arkansas
    Successfully managed three high-volume Metropolitan districts which included multi-state markets producing $500 million plus annually. Concurrently managed seven locations as well as serving as a liaison with corporate representatives regarding store grand openings. Orchestrated facility development from initial site procurement to grand opening in daily operations. My responsibilities additionally included recruitment personnel development utilizing innovative and effective bottom-up promotional approach. Developed employee loyalty via positive coaching accountability in recognition of results.

Chris Forster Skills

Inventory Management Merchandising Loss Prevention Store Management Profit Retail Visual Merchandising Shrinkage Big Box Store Operations Talent Management Income Statement Inventory Control Customer Service Strategic Planning Team Building Multi Unit Hiring Trend Analysis Budgets Multi Unit Management Cpfr Operations Management Vendor Relations Human Resources Business Profitability Business Planning Team Leadership Staff Development Construction Management Executive Reporting Retail Category Management Change Management Department Budgeting Policies And Procedures Facilities Management New Store Openings Project Management Leadership Supply Chain Management Supply Chain Optimization Business Development Marketing Real Estate Site Planning Store Design Priority Management Operations Category Management Profitability

Chris Forster Education Details

  • Continuing Education
    Continuing Education

Frequently Asked Questions about Chris Forster

What company does Chris Forster work for?

Chris Forster works for Swfm Retail Group

What is Chris Forster's role at the current company?

Chris Forster's current role is Retail Executive | Expert in Multi-Store Operations, Strategic Growth & Cost Optimization | Proven Leader in Store Development & Expansion.

What is Chris Forster's email address?

Chris Forster's email address is cf****@****aol.com

What is Chris Forster's direct phone number?

Chris Forster's direct phone number is +121586*****

What schools did Chris Forster attend?

Chris Forster attended Continuing Education.

What skills is Chris Forster known for?

Chris Forster has skills like Inventory Management, Merchandising, Loss Prevention, Store Management, Profit, Retail, Visual Merchandising, Shrinkage, Big Box, Store Operations, Talent Management, Income Statement.

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